Brittany's Unexpected Journey

One

The first day of 8th grade. Great. Let the torture begin. I’ve been in the same boring old school for two years, now beginning my third. The good thing is seeing my friends, Lucy, Anabeth, Michelle, Melanie, Amanda, and Anthony. They are my bestest friends in the entire world. We’ve been together since pre- school. It’s amazing how we all stayed together for that long.

Well, it’s like 7:00 in the morning. Ugh. I hate mornings. I barely sleep at night. Well I do, but it seems like I don’t get much sleep at night. Everybody knows I’m not a morning person. I’m such a bitch in the mornings it’s ridiculous. So my Walking Talking Alarm Clock (that’s my mother) wakes me up I get another half hour of sleep because she always takes showers in the morning after ‘waking me up’. But about a half hour later I get up (which is a huge effort if you’re me. I have a huge attraction to my bed) and go to my closet. It’s still summer so I pick out a pair of shorts and a Hollister Tee-shirt. My friends call me “The Perfect Bitch’ only because I’m in the middle. I’m not fat but I’m not skinny. I’m not tall but I’m not short. My hair isn’t brown, but it isn’t blonde either. My eyes aren’t blue, but they aren’t green either. I’m like in the middle. I find it weird but I like it.

My hair is a mess. It has a mind of its own, I swear. One day it’s straight, the next day it’s curly, then the other day it’s in the middle. Today it’s wavy. So what I do when it’s wavy is put it in a side tail and let my side bangs cover a little of my right eye. Is it weird that I love my bangs on the right side? Well anyways, my hair’s pretty long, it’s down to my waist. It’s really shiny and soft. I’m not bragging about my hair, okay? I know it might seem like that but I’m not. I’m not much of a bragger. Actually I’m just the opposite. I’m secretive. I don’t say much of what I do or why I do it. That’s my own business. Well I only tell things to my BFF’s.

I make my bed and take my sparkly Converse from my shoe compartment and put them on. I go to my makeup station and apply my makeup. I barely use it. But today is the first day of school. Everybody knows you gotta look hot. So I put on purple sparkly eye shadow and bring with me my sparkly lip gloss. I never go anywhere without it. It’s like my good luck charm. But it sparkles!

Okay on first day of school you don’t need anything but just incase I bring two notebooks and a pen. You never know. Well I go to the bathroom to brush my hair and brush my teeth. And most importantly I have to bring my gum. Gum is like . . . energy. To me that is. I can’t do anything without it. I loose all concentration and can’t focus the way I would with gum in my mouth. Besides gum is addicting . . . like cocaine. That’s in a teens mind. I’m not saying that I do cocaine or that my friends do it. I’m just trying to emphasize that fact that gum’s addicting. That’s it. Nothing more. Okay? So don’t go getting the wrong idea that I’m a Crack Head ‘cause I’m not. Just because I’m Colombian it doesn’t mean my parents or I are crack heads. Just to make that clear. AND I’m NOT MEXICAN! I’m NOT JEWISH EITHER! I get that all that time. Random people are like, “Are you Mexican? You speak Spanish.” Or “Are you Jewish? Then why do your parents work at a JCC if you’re not Jewish?” just do me a huge favor and STFU okay? Thanks you very much.

Well I’m officially ready for my first horrific day of school. I head down the stairs and I find my croissant with melted light butter on it with a side of grapes and my Mocha Iced Latte. Can’t live without my latte. Seriously.

My brother is up and ready too. He’s like the complete opposite of me. He’s thin but has a good amount of muscles. He’s tall and he’s younger then me. That’s wrong okay. He’s has blonde hair with brilliant grey eyes. He’s what the sixth grade girls call ‘hot’. I love that kid. I’m lucky to have him as my brother. I know him better then Mom and Dad. He trusts me like him his BFFL. We are anyways.

Well the bus’s here, so I take my ever so present purse with me and my books out the door. But before I do that I kiss Mom’s cheek and call out a quick good-bye to my dad. I go on the bus and Anthony is already there. He saved me a seat next to him. That’s sweet of him. Once I sit down I hug him. We’re really close. Like almost as close as me and my brother Matt.

Anthony hasn’t changed much. He still has that adorable baby face you just want to kiss all day. (Not literally) That amazing charming smile any girl would die for. Those amazing leaf green eyes and the light brown shaggy hair you just want to brush. He’s a little bit taller then me, but not my much. He has muscles and he’s a pretty hot guy to be friends with.(I’m not interested in him, mind you) Well he’s also sweet and kind and smart and charming. Well, let’s just say he’s any girls dream.

“Omigod! Anthony I missed you like hell!” I said as I hug him again this time meaning it. His arms tighten around me and I swear to god he’s about to squeeze me in half.

“I missed you too. More then I would have thought.” He laughs and let’s go of me. We smile at each other for a few moments before the bus driver pulls the breaks causing us to thrust forward and hit out head against the seat in front of us. That was really funny. People were yelling ‘WTF’ and ‘Fuck!’ Anthony and I were just laughing our asses off.

“You okay?” I ask Anthony. He laughs and nods. We make a few more stops and then we make to our first day of “Junior Hell High’ as I call it. Well nobody likes school and its hell for us so the name is appropriate.

I find Lucy, Melanie and Michelle in a small group near the door. Lucy is wearing a really cute sun dress you can find in DEB. It’s strapless, white with blue stripes going across. It’s knee length with red flowers at the bottom. She’s wearing white wedges to match the dress. Her hair is long and loose. Her hair is similar to mine but it’s actually controllable and darker then mine. Well it’s really pretty soft and with really cute waves. Lucy is smaller then me and she’s also like about 20 pounds skinnier then me. She has hazel eyes with brown specks and skin about a shade darker then mine. She has a slight skin rash but it’s hardly noticeable.

Melanie is wearing jean shorts and a really cute top from Wet Seal. It’s a long flowy floral white top. It’s adorable! Her light hair is up to her shoulder and it’s pretty curly. With really pretty ringlets. If I were to have curly hair . . . I would want Mel’s hair. She’s wearing sparkly flats to compliment her outfit. Her skins tan and pretty much flawless. Her smile is huge and she has braces. She has light brown eyes and she’s about 5’1.

Michelle is wearing a blue floral dress with layers at the bottom and a belt that goes around the waist. Its knee length and super cute. I saw that same dress at Wet Seal. She’s wearing the cutest cowboy boots to match it perfectly. Her wavy hair is in two side braids that compliment her southern look. That’s what I love about her. She’s from Henrietta, Oklahoma I just love the way she dresses. It’s really stylish and yet so Southern. It’s weird but she brings the South to us. That’s a good thing.

“Hey!!!” I say as I get closer to the group. Melanie grins and runs to me. She hugs me tightly and I hug her back. It’s amazing how much I missed my girls.

“Oh my fucking god! I missed you like hell! There’s a thing called the cell phone. Use it! It’s amazing!” She said as I let go of her. I forgot to call her. So she’s freaking out about it. Natural. She does that. She’s a bit of a complainer at times. Sorry Mel . . . we all know it.

“I’m sorry Mel! I got my phone taken away for the summer because I got a C in math.” I honestly admit. I did get a C in math. That seriously pissed off my mom so for a punishment I got my phone taken away. I got it back yesterday. And honestly it’s like my phone got raped! 30 missed calls from Mel, Anthony, Michelle and Lucy. 100 text messages. I was like Holy shit. And my brother goes, “Just imagine 10x more calls and tests and you can tell how Justin Bieber feels.” I had to admit it was funny. I feel bad for Justin though. I don’t know why, I just do.

“Shit, you forgot to mention that.” She laughs and walks back to the group.

“Oh my gawd! Girl . . . you lookin’ as good as you did last time I saw ya.” Michelle says. I so forgot she has a southern voice so that surprised me. I couldn’t help but giggle and hug her.

“Thanks babe, you’re looking gorgeous yourself.” We both laugh and she nods confirming in my statement.

“Brittany! You like totally forgot about me!” Lucy says as walks closer to me and hugs me. I hug her back. She’s like the sweetest little thing I have ever met. She is shy but not around us. She learned to express herself the way we do and it did a lot of good to her.

“Of course not Lucy. Did you get more beautiful or is it just me?” I say as I look her up and down. From her sweet gentle smile to her freshly manicured feet. I think she lost about two pounds from last time I saw her.

“I think it’s just you. But you look great.” She laughs as she hugs Anthony. Did I just see a spark or is it just me? I know for a fact that Anthony has liked Lucy for a long time. They are really cute together. I wonder if this will be the year that they’ll hook up and finally be together.

“So, where are Amanda and Anabeth?” I ask as I look around. No sign of a Beauty Queen and no sign of a blueberry. Amanda’s a total beauty queen and Anabeth dresses in blue so we call her Blueberry.

My group shrugs and looks around, “I think Anabeth is still in Hawaii and Amanda shopping in Paris.” Lucy says. It’s pretty accurate I think. Amanda can’t last a day without shopping and being in Paris only encouraged her to go shopping.

“How much you wanna bet Amanda bought all the boutiques?” Anthony says joining our group. I giggle to myself as the girls shake their heads.

“I ain’t bettin’ ‘cause I know it’s true.” Michelle says crossing her arms across her chest. I nod and Mel rolls her eyes. Lucy grins and Anthony is stealing glances at her. He’s my best friend. It’s time we have a little talk.

“Hey, Anthony! Come here bro.” Kyle says a few feet away from us. I never always liked Kyle. But I love his twin Brother Dan. They look exactly alike but there’s something different in Dan. Maybe it’s the way his eyes light up when he sees me, or the way he smiles. Dan has light shaggy sandy hair with fair skin and hazel eyes. He has light freckles over his nose that just makes him look ever cuter. Kyle doesn’t have that. Instead his hair is like sandy but straight and a little long. He has no freckles just clear skin. Dan has a straight perfect nose with thin eye brows hidden by his hair. He’s a little taller then me with a full on six-pack. He’s super sweet and smart. He takes the time to get to know his friends. That’s why he has a little group compared to Kyle’s.

I really like the way he dresses. It’s weird seeing as he dresses much the same why like Kyle, but I’m just a freak like that. He’s wearing jean guy shorts with Air Jordan’s and a white loose Hollister T. Its super casual but I like it.

Dan is a yard away from us. He’s facing us. He always forms a circle with his group of six. I catch him stealing a glance at me. I smile sweetly and wave. He blushes and looks away. Aww that’s so cute! He’s so shy. Nothing at all like his brother who thinks he so school for school. It’s like a total WTF?! I swear he thinks he’s king of the whole school! In math last year he leaned back in his chair like he’s lounging at the pool with his legs crossed in the middle of the space in front of his with his arms crossed on his chest.

“Go say ‘hi’.” Mel said as she catches me smiling and waving at Dan. I look at her and blush. She knows I’ve had a crush on him since the sixth grade, and Anthony knows that Dan likes me too. So why not just go up to him and say ‘hi’. How hard can it be?

“Okay. I’ll be back.” I smile and walk over to Dan. It’s only a few seconds until I get there besides him.

“Hey.” I said sweetly.

“Hi, Brittany.” He says. He won’t look at me. That kind of annoys me. It feels like I’m some ugly fat-ass chick who’s trying to flirt with him. But i can see him smiling and glancing at me so I know that’s not the case.

“Is there something on my face? Is that why you won’t look at me?” I ask quietly. His groupies walk a few steps back giving us some space. I appreciate it. I like them.

“No! It’s just that . . .” His voice trailed off. He faces me and meets my gaze. He smiles and sighs. I just want to take his hand. I always wondered what it would be like to be with him. Would it be the best thing ever or the worst thing ever? Will things end up in a happily- ever- after for us or will it end in total disaster? I guess we’ll find out sooner or later.

“What?” I prompted softly.

He sighs, “I’m not used to talking to girls like you.” He admits. I’ll take that as a compliment.

“You know Dan, I’m just a girl. I’m not something special,” I giggle and he looks up at me with sparkling eyes, “I’ve always liked you, you know.” I say softly looking at the brick wall and not meeting his gaze. It’s my weakness. I don’t really like to look at people in the eye when I’m admitting a secret about them or how I feel about them.

I can see out of the corner of my eye that his face is crimson, “Really?” He asked I can tell that it was a question not to voice but I smile and struggle not to hug him.

I nod, “Since the sixth grade. Crazy right?” I laugh and he just nods. I think he’s building confidence to actually voice out his feelings like I’m doing. It’s a new year and I want to start things out fresh. With fresh relationships and new friends. Not that there’s anything wrong with my friends. Actually scratch that. I just want new relationships!

He shakes his head, “No, not crazy.” He grins and takes my hand in his. I’m just about to explode. I’ve never felt this way with anybody in my entire thirteen years. My stomach is doing crazy flips and turns and butterflies are going insane. My cheeks are bright red and my smile is now an ear to ear grin. I can tell that what he’s doing (taking my hand and holding it) took a lot of confidence.

Then the bell rang. Ugh stupid bell! It totally ruined our little moment. But it looks like the bell didn’t ruin Dan’s fantasy. His hand is still in mine and we start walking hand in hand inside the school. Yes! Omigod finally! I’ve been waiting for that five minute moment for three years! And now it finally happened. I think as we go to our first period class. It’s something new the school is starting. It’s actually not a bad idea. I always new that homeroom was a waste of time.

Dan’s first period is different then mine. Of course I saw that one coming. But the good news is, is that it’s right next to mine. Dan hesitated (so did I) to let go of my hand. So with one final squeeze he let go and turned around with a second glance back at me and inside the doors to Mrs. Breyers math class. She’s a short chubby woman but with a huge voice that will make any giant cower in fear.

I, on the other hand, have Mrs. Hughson; she’s your average math teacher. She’s funny, nice and actually knows how to teach a math class without busting their eardrum (Mrs. Mascolo). My seventh grade math teacher. She couldn’t go one day without yelling at us for God-knows- what reasons! She’s fat and mean and has a loud obnoxious voice. She taught us wrong so we had to learn the seventh grade basics all over again. Thanks Mrs. Mascolo! I really appreciate it!

“Hey, Brittany. Your right next to me.” Anthony says sitting down at a desk with a schedule and an agendas book. I sit down and look at my schedule.

Second Period: Social Studies- Mrs. Rosenberg.

Third period: Special

Fourth period: Reading – Mrs. Slammers.

Fifth/ Sixth Period: Science- Mr. Kuepick.

Seventh/ Eighth Period- study then lunch.

Ninth Period- Gym

Tenth- language Arts – Mrs. Barns

Anthony and I switch schedules. Yes! We have every class together except for tenth and third. Okay so I’ll have something to look forward to.

“So, look who got a new boyfriend.” Anthony laughs. I roll my eyes and blush. As much as I want Dan to be my boyfriend we’re not there yet. Maybe in a month or so we’ll get there. Or worse case scenario we’ll brake up. Before it even started!

“He’s not my boyfriend, “I say with finality, “Yet.” I add quietly. But then another thought buzzed in my brain.

“Why aren’t you with Lucy yet?” I ask.

He shrugs and sighs, “I don’t know. I guess I’m scared.” He admits.

“Never thought I’d hear the Bad- Ass Anthony say that he’s scared.” I lean back in my seat as Anthony looks down and chuckles beneath his breath, “Listen, Anthony, it’s easy. You love her! And she loves you! Say something before she gets the wrong idea and forget about you. It’s easy. Just tell her how you feel. I’m 100% positive that she feels the same way. You make her happy. Please, for Lucy and me?” I beg quietly. He ponders for a few moments and then gives up.

“Fine. How do you know she loves me?” He asked. His eyes lighting up.

“Oh, please, we’re like sisters. We tell each other everything.” I wave it away and write my name in my agenda. I can see out of the corner of my eye, Anthony smile and get that look in his eye that he has an idea. And I have a really good feeling that this idea includes Lucy.

“Good morning class.” Mrs. Hughson says as she gets herself settled. I’m not going to pay attention. I’ve been through this for about three years. I don’t need to listen to this ‘Welcome to My Class’ speech.

“You think she’ll say ‘yes’ if I ask her out today?” Anthony whispers.

I nod, “Yeah, don’t worry about it. You two are adorable together.” I smile at him in reassurance.

“Thanks. I guess.” He whispers. I roll my eyes and pretend like I’m listening to her speech about what we’re going to do this year. Instead I’m thinking about Dan. My future to be boyfriend. He’s like everything I’m looking for. Earlier today when he said “No, not crazy” that’s like total kissing words. I swear that’s how they do it in the movies. The guy says something then they kiss. I thought for sure Dan was going to kiss me. But I think taking my hand was better. I mean I want us to go steady and build our relationship so that when we kiss, it would be magical and I don’t know . . . amazing. Isn’t your first kiss supposed to be magical and amazing? Well I guess I’ll find out sooner or later.

“. . . Okay I’m going to hand out your locker assignments.” I smile as she hands me a little yellow slip of paper with my name on it, locker number and combination. I’m locker number 194. With combination 28-42-6. Anthony and I swap papers and I look at his. He’s only a locker away from me. His combo is similar to mine but a few numbers off every number. We have no secrets, Anthony and me. We share everything we get. Tests, quizzes, homework, combos. That way we trust each other more. It’s our bond that we have. I like it and I hope to keep it that way. I like that special bond that we have. I just hope it never goes away.

“You have ten minutes at your lockers. After that come directly here.” Mrs. Hughson says. Well that’s our cue. I went out into the hallway and found my locker. I opened it and then closed it as I saw Dan open the first locker of a row of ten. Every ten set of lockers there’s a classroom. I smile and walk over to him slowly. I should invite him to tonight’s Yankee game. I think he likes the Yankee’s I’m not positive. It’ll be fun. Bonding time for us. Besides I have an extra ticket.

My Dad is best friends with the coach for the Giants. After the game the coach dad and either Derek Jeter or Alex Rodriguez comes over for dinner. It’s a lot of fun. They’re nice people. Even though the baseball season is over doesn’t mean that my dad can’t hang out with the team.

“Hey Dan.” I said as I lean against the other locker. He grins and closed his locker.

“Hey Brittany.” He said. He reaches for my hand and I grab it, entwining my fingers with his. A perfect fit.

“Are you busy tonight?” I ask quietly.

He shakes his head, “Nope, are you asking me out?” He asks. A huge grin forming on top of that adorable smile of his.

“That depends on you. Do you want to go out with me?” I asked. I hope that’s a ‘yes’. Or else I have no body to go with.

“Yeah, I do.” He says quietly. I giggle. But it was a nervous laugh. Like OMG yay! Kind of nervous laugh.

“Do you like the Yankees?” I asked.

“They’re only my life!” Dan said laughing. Jeeze I didn’t notice the Yankees cap in his locker. I told Dan about what’s going on tonight and watch as his eyes grew wide an his mouth opening.

“No way! You know the Yankees? How!? It’s like impossible to meet them!” Dan says staring wide-eyed and mouth hanging open. Looks like I finally awoken the Beast inside Dan. Who knew baseball got a guy to show some excitement around here?

I shrug, “My Dad’s best friends with the Coach. Derek Jeter or A-Rod usually come over after a game. Sometimes Swisher or Cano. I want us to spend some time together and what perfect way to do that then to hang out with Jeter at my place for dinner?” I said casually like it was no big deal. Dan is speechless. Instead of just fainting or does the happy dance he just comes to me and hugs me. Right on the spot. In front of everybody. Not a regular hug but a semi romantic semi excited hug. But do I care? NOPE! I wrap my arms around his waist holding him to me. Is it wrong to think that he smells nice and sweet? Well . . . he does. I’m laughing inside. This is just like a dream. I have to do everything I can not to just kiss him.

“That’s amazing! I’d love to go! Thanks.” He takes his arms off of me and takes my hands. I wave it away and give his hands a final squeeze before returning to class.

The rest of the day before lunch went by really fast. I almost took a nap in reading and science. It’s not my fault they are the most boring people in the history of boring people. I swear the crickets weren’t even singing their song. So that’s what hell’s like. I don’t like it. Why can’t we have some exciting teachers from this or last century? NOT from the 1850’s. They don’t know how to use the computer, they dress in only pale ugly colors and they talk like they came from a history book! Like WTF?!